Networked gaming system including a location monitor and dispatcher using personal data keys

ABSTRACT

A networked gaming system is disclosed that includes location detection and dispatcher servers operative together with one or more wireless personal digital (PDK) devices communicating with receiver/decoders (RDCs) for tracking and communicating with casino employees and patrons throughout the casino. An employee and patron tracking system in a casino is disclosed wherein beverage and other service staff are properly assigned, dispatched to the right patron or location and can be located and tracked throughout various transactions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of application Ser. No.12/269,782 filed Nov. 12, 2008 titled “NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDINGA LOCAITON MONITOR AND DISPATCHER USING PERSONAL DATA KEYS which in turnclaims priority from U.S. provisional patent application 60/987218 filedon Nov. 12, 2007, both applications hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety for all purposes.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains generally to networked gaming systems, and moreparticularly to a networked gaming system with proximity detection foruse with player services and other casino-related activities.

2. Description of Related Art

It has long been recognized in business generally, that the ability todeliver the right employee to the right customer at the right time is anecessary component of delivering good customer service. The ability toprove that an employee is where he/she says they are and the locatingthat employee in association with a previously triggered event arecritical to deliver good customer server.

In the medical services field, ambulance dispatch systems are used inmany cities which allow for the ambulances to be properly positionedthroughout the city in the proper locations based upon historicalevents. The dispatch service can properly deliver the correct ambulance(one not in use, one with an emergency medical technician (EMT), or onewith a Paramedic) depending on the event that was called in. This properallocation of the right ambulance staff to the right patient in thequickest way is what saves many lives and leads to many happy patients.

Similarly in casino operations, there is a need for the ability todeliver the right employee to the right customer at the right time.There is also a need for casino operators to be able to identify andmonitor locations of employees and to be able to dispatch employeesefficiently and effectively within the facility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one or more aspects of the invention, a networkedgaming system includes location detector and dispatch servers operativetogether with one or more wireless personal digital key (PDK) devicescommunicating with receiver/decoders (RDCs) for use in tracking andcommunicating with patrons and casino employees throughout the casino,facilitating the delivery of services to patrons, and monitoringemployee activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a networked gaming system with an integratedlocation tracking system in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates an alternate embodiment of a networked gaming systemwith an integrated location tracking system in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 1C illustrates a network diagram of the integrated proximitydetection system integrated into the William Ryan Group RTCEM real timetransaction system and the Bally Slot system in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a component diagram of an electronic gaming machine(EGM) combined with radio-decoder proximity detection circuitry inaccordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates the field of coverage of 3 different RDC/antenna's onthe casino floor in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates the miniaturized PDK's and RDC's in accordance withone or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates various form factors that the PDK (personal digitalkey) and RDG (receiver/decoder circuits) can take in accordance with oneor more embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates the PDK issued to an employee and casino patron inthe form of FOB with labeled buttons provided to trigger differentevents for the person holding this PDK in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bi-directionally connected PDK and RDC in proximityto each other in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8A illustrates a screenshot of the Location Tracking applicationfor a casino floor as may be implemented on casino control stationconnected to a networked gaming system in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 8B illustrates a screenshot with an Open Playback File pop-upwindow for a casino floor as may be implemented on casino controlstation connected to a networked gaming system in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 8C illustrates a screenshot in Playback mode for a casino floor asmay be implemented on casino control station connected to a networkedgaming system in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8D illustrates a screenshot with an Alert pop-up window for acasino floor as may be implemented on casino control station connectedto a networked gaming system in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates the features of the real time dispatch system thatwill be integrated into the proximity location tracking system toprovide better service for all of the areas in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates the RTSS jackpot process when a jackpot occurs onthe slot floor in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates an RTFNB drink request process in accordance withone or more embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a VIP Meet and Great Process in accordance with oneor more embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a Real time Slot Service's managed rules basedprocess without location tracking in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a WRG employee dispatch service application inaccordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a WRG employee dispatch service application inaccordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a WRG employee dispatch service application inaccordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a WRG employee dispatch service application showingservice recovery alerts and management alerts in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a Real-time knowledge management system alertsintegrated with employee assigned PDKs in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates an RT Slot System Jackpot event improved with theuses of the wireless PDK location tracking system in accordance with oneor more embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a process showing the improved Real time knowledgemanagement system integrated with location based PDK associated withspecific employees in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a transaction display for a specific employee thatdoes a specific role or function in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates a transaction display for a specific employee thatdoes the Beverage Service Role or function in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates a transaction display for a specific casino VIPpatron in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments are directed to a proximity detection systemincludes a real-time dispatch and monitoring system and is integratedwith a networked gaming system. In one or more aspects, the integratedsystem provides the ability to make the beverage dispatch service moreefficient in a casino by adding location tracking personal digital keysthat are held by beverage hosts. The beverage host is able to find andlocate casino patrons and deliver the requested beverage. The host isthen able to officially close the transaction by the press of a buttonon the wireless personal digital key. Other uses of employee locationtracking in the casino are described within.

The embodiments are illustrated and described herein, by way of exampleonly, and not by way of limitation. Referring now to the drawings, andmore particularly to FIGS. 1-23, there are shown illustrative examplesof various gaming machines and networked gaming systems includingproximity detection technology. One or more networked gaming systemsinclude one or more user control stations where GUI displays may begenerated by an operator, an employee station, and handheld units whichmay be used to monitor and direct employee activity, such asfacilitating services to patrons, in accordance with various aspects ofthe invention utilizing the proximity technology.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, enterprise gaming system 101 is shown inaccordance with one or more embodiments. Enterprise gaming system 101may include one casino or multiple locations and generally includes anetwork of gaming machines 103, floor management system (SMS) 105, andcasino management system (CMS) 107. SMS 105 may include load balancer111, network services servers 113, player interface (iView) contentservers 115, certificate services server 117, radio receiver/decoderdevices (RDC) 119, floor transaction servers 121, game engines 123, eachof which may connect over network bus 125 to gaming machines 103. CMS107 may include location tracking server 131, real-time dispatch server133, data warehouse server 135, player tracking server 137, analysisservices server 141, third party interface server 143, slot accountingserver 145, floor accounting server 147, progressives server 149,promotions control server 151, a bonus game (such as Bally Live Rewards)server (not shown), download control server 155, player history database157, configuration management server 159, browser manager 161, andtournament engine server 163 connecting through bus 165 to server host167 and gaming machines 103. The servers may comprise commerciallyavailable personal computers, such as Dell, Hewlett Packard, or Sonymanufactured personal computers or servers, or work stations, such asSun manufactured work stations, which may by example use MicrosoftWindows, NT, Unix, or Unix-based open source operating systems. Each ofthe servers include memory wherein executable programming is stored forperforming the specialized functions assigned to the respective serversand communicating with the other network devices such as in accordancewith SAS, G2S, or other protocols which may be promulgated by the GamingStandards Association. The various servers and gaming machines 103 mayconnect to the network with various conventional network connections(such as USB, serial, parallel, RS485, Ethernet connections). Additionalservers which may be incorporated with CMS 107 include a responsiblegaming limit server (not shown), advertisement server (not shown), and acontrol station server (not shown) where an operator or authorizedpersonnel may select options and input new programming to adjust each ofthe respective servers and gaming machines 103. SMS 105 may also haveadditional servers including a control station (not shown) through whichauthorized personnel may select options, modify programming, and obtainreports of the connected servers and devices, and obtain reports.

The various CMS and SMS servers are descriptively entitled to reflectthe functional executable programming stored thereon and the nature ofdatabases maintained and utilized in performing their respectivefunctions. As may be noted from FIG. 1A and 1B, networked gaming system101 may have various configurations of servers and components connectingas part of either SMS 105 or CMS 107 wherein like-numbered elements mayserve over the network in the same or similar capacity and function. Forexample, bus capacity over SMS 105 may be more efficiently utilized byone server versus another server depending upon the demands on bus 165by CMS 107. As may be noted in the example of FIG. 1A, bus 125supporting communications over SMS 105 has a 100 MB bandwidth versus bus165 supporting communications over CMS 107 which has a GB bandwidth, soit may be desirable to associate download and configuration servers 155and 159 with CMS 107 in one embodiment (see FIG. 1A) or with SMS 105 inanother embodiment (see FIG. 1B) to accommodate bandwidth demands.

Enterprise gaming system 101 includes an integrated location trackingand dispatch system that includes location tracking application andreal-time dispatch servers 131, 133, such as commercially availableWilliam Ryan Group servers that may be modified to provide variouscustomer and employee-related services. As part of the integratedsystem, radio receiver/decoder devices 119 are integrated randomlythroughout the casino and within EGMs 103 to detect personal digitalkeys (PDKs) and transmit the associated information to location trackingserver 131 and/or real-time dispatch server 133.

Gaming machines 103 include various peripheral components that may beconnected with USB, serial, parallel, RS485, Ethernetdevices/architectures to the system components within the respectivegaming machine. The game monitoring unit (GMU) may have a connection tothe base game through a serial SAS connection. The system components inthe gaming cabinet may be connected to the servers using HTTPs overEthernet. Using CMS 107 and/or SMS 105 servers and devices, firmware,media, operating systems, and configurations may be downloaded to thesystem components of respective gaming machines for upgrading ormanaging floor content and offerings in accordance with operatorselections or automatically depending upon CMS 107 and SMS 105 masterprogramming. The data and programming updates to gaming machines 103 areauthenticated using conventional techniques prior to install on thesystem components.

In one or more embodiments, two or more data items may be received bylocation tracking server 131 from the RDC location response recordstransmitted by a given RDC device 119, including: the PDK identifiersand an associated RSSI (received signal strength indicator) values.Other information may also be contained within the location responserecords. For example, RDC device 119 may include an RDC identifier aspart of a transmitted PDK location signal. The tracking of a PDK may bedone algorithmically. This includes ranging (upper and lower bounds),smoothing, averaging, handling signal drop-outs and neighborcomparisons.

Referring to FIG. 1C, networked gaming system 101 is shown in part withrespect to the integrated proximity detection system in accordance withone or more embodiments. The various components required to performreal-time monitoring and dispatch of casino services to patrons usingPDKs is shown. In the illustration, dispatch server 133 is shownconnected to RDC 119, such as a commercially available Proxensetransceiver, for receiving radio locator signals from employee locatordevices 171 and gaming table locator devices 173 containing PDKtransponders compatible for recognition by RDC 119. Dispatch server 133is also connected through SMS 105 to each EGM 103 and their respectiveRDC 119 and connected through switch/hub 175 to food and beveragestation 177 and slot dispatch station 179 each of which are respectivelyconnected to manager stations 181, 183 for monitoring activity andgenerating management reports. In addition, handheld devices 185, 187,189, such as commercially available radios, Blackberryphones/transceivers, and personal data assistant communicators (such asa Palm PDA), may be programmed to connect wirelessly through switch/hub175 for receiving and transmitting information to stations 177, 179.

Referring to FIG. 2, electronic gaming machine 201 is shown with an RDCincluding PDK proximity detector components in accordance with one ormore embodiments. Electronic gaming machine 201 includes base gameintegrated circuit board 203 (EGM Processor Board) connected throughserial bus line 205 to game monitoring unit (GMU) 207 (such as BallyMC300-ACSC NT), and player interface integrated circuit board (PIB) 209connected to player interface devices 211 over bus lines 213, 215, 217,219, 221, 223. Printer 225 is connected to PIB 209 and GMU 207 over buslines 227, 229. EGM Processor Board 203, PIB 209, and GMU 207 connect toEthernet switch 231 over bus lines 233, 235, 237. Ethernet switch 231connects to a slot management system (SMS) and a casino managementsystem (CMS) network over bus line 239. GMU 207 also may connect to theSMS and CMS network over bus line 241. Speakers 243 connect throughaudio mixer 245 and bus lines 247, 249 to EGM Processor Board 203 andPIB 209. Peripherals 251 connect through bus 253 to EGM Processor Board203. The various components and included devices may be installed withconventionally and/or commercially available components, devices, andcircuitry into a conventional and/or commercially available gamingmachine cabinet. The PDK proximity detection components may be installedby upgrading a commercially available PIB 209, such as a Bally iViewunit. Coding executed on EGM Processor Board 203, PID 209, and/or GMU207 may be upgraded to integrate the PDK proximity detection componentsand utilize the information as is more fully described herein.

EGM Processor Board 203 includes a game microprocessor, such as an IntelPentium, and memory which may both be onboard memory, such as cache,ROM, EEPROM, and, off-board memory, such as flash or hard drive memorywhich may connect through serial or parallel ports. Gaming operatingsystem and game software are stored in the memory and executable by thegame microprocessor for executing gaming operations on gaming machine201 including providing one or more wagering games for a patron.

Additional subroutine and/or function sequences may be initiated on EGMProcessor Board 203 prior to or during game activation through the useof signals generated by PDK proximity detection circuitry whereby thepresence of an employee PDK may be detected. One or more of the signalsmay be received by EGM Processor Board 203 from PIB 209 as throughEthernet switch 231 or through some additional path (not shown) such asdirectly connecting PIB 209 and EGM Processor Board 203, connecting PIB209 through GMU 207 to EGM Processor Board 203, connecting GMU 207 toEGM Processor Board 203 in the case where GMU 207 may directly receivesignals from PDK proximity detection sensors, or connecting EGMProcessor Board 203 to directly receive signals from PDK proximitydetection sensors.

GMU 207 includes an integrated circuit board and GMU processor andmemory including coding for network communications, such as the SASprotocol used for system communications over the network. As shown, GMU207 may connect to card reader 255 through bus 257 and may therebyobtain player card information and transmit the information over thenetwork through bus 241. Gaming activity information may be transferredby the EGM Processor Board 203 to GMU 207 where the information may betranslated into a network protocol, such as SAS, for transmission to aserver, such as a player tracking server, where information about apatron's playing activity may be stored in a designated server database.

PIB 209 includes an integrated circuit board, PIB processor, and memorywhich includes an operating system, such as Windows CE, a playerinterface program which may be executable by the PIB processor togetherwith various input/output (I/O) drivers for respective devices whichconnect to PIB 209, such as player interface devices 211, and which mayfurther include various games or game components playable on PIB 209 orplayable on a connected network server and PIB 209 is operable as theplayer interface. PIB 209 connects to card reader 255 through bus 223,display 259 through video decoder 261 and bus 221, such as an LVDS orVGA bus, proximity detector 267 through bus 215, and biometric imagers269 through bus 213.

As part of its programming, the PIB processor executes coding to drivedisplay 259 and provide messages and information to a patron. Touchscreen circuitry interactively connects display 259 and video decoder261 to PIB 209, such that a patron may input information and cause theinformation to be transmitted to PIB 209 either on the patron'sinitiative or responsive to a query by PIB 209. Additionally soft keys265 connect through bus 217 to PIB 209 and operate together with display259 to provide information or queries to a patron and receive responsesor queries from the patron. PIB 209, in turn, communicates over theCMS/SMS network through Ethernet switch 231 and busses 235, 239 and withrespective servers, such as a player tracking server.

For example, PIB 209 may have coding which is stored in local memory andexecutable by PIB processor upon insertion of a player card into cardreader 255 and follows a sequence such as:

-   Card detected    -   % A signal from card reader transmits to    -   % PIB 209 upon insertion-   Read patron card information    -   % A player card has identifying information    -   % which may be used to identify a    -   % corresponding record in a player    -   % database where player tracking    -   % information is maintained, such as a PIN    -   % number for verifying a patron and the    -   % inserted card.-   Access player account    -   % A msg may be transmitted to a player    -   % tracking server where a player account    -   % database may be maintained and    -   % accessed; the record may be located    -   % using the information from the player    -   % card.-   Display patron welcome msg with patron's name-   If patron's account has any information to be displayed,-   Display additional information    -   % For example, if patron has accumulated    -   % bonus points or has any bonus or promo    -   % awards, then the display may present    -   % that information-   If player requests access to player's account,-   Display query requesting input of PIN number    -   % A virtual key pad may be displayed    -   % upon which the patron may press the    -   % correct sequence of keys or a separate    -   % PIN pad may be used, such as PIN pad    -   % 271. Upon receipt, the input PIN may be    -   % compared with a stored PIN associated    -   % with the patron account. If the input PIN    -   % corresponds then the patron is given    -   % access to the account.-   If PIN confirmed,-   Display available options    -   % For example, associated with respective    -   % soft keys 265, display bonus awards or    -   % promo credits available and enable    -   % activation of bonus awards or download    -   % of promo credits.-   Send transaction msg to EGM Processor Board effecting any authorized    credit transaction    -   % EGM Processor Board 203 controls the    -   % credit meter displayed to patron and    -   % controls release of credits to patron as    -   % through bus 253 connecting to    -   % peripherals 251. Pursuant to the    -   % transaction signal from PIB 209, EGM    -   % Processor Board 203 transmits signal to    -   % credit meter and increases the number    -   % of credits by the authorized amount.-   PDK proximity detector 267 includes radio proximity antenna 273    connected through bus 275 and emitter/receiver circuitry. PDK    proximity detector 267 may utilize conventional radio    emitter/receiver technology, whereby a transponder signal may be    emitted from a nearby PDK device and a corresponding PDK signal    received by PDK proximity detector 267. By example, radio signals    may be used to transmit a low power short range signal. If EGM 201    with RDC device 119 is in the vicinity, the signal may be received    by proximity detector 267. The information may then be transmitted    over bus 215 to PIB 209. Coding may be further implemented based on    the power of the received signal. For example, an operator may    simply want EGMs 201 to identify employees within a selected    distance of respective EGMs 201. Also, the power of the emitters may    be used to limit the distance prior to receiving a proximity signal    or the circuitry or processor coding may limit analysis of signals    within a predetermined received power range, which may for example    correspond to a distance of approximately three feet based on    transponder power settings of respective PDK devices.

Player interface devices 211 are linked into the virtual private networkof the system components in gaming machine 201. The system componentsinclude the iVIEW processing board and game monitoring unit (GMU)processing board. These system components may connect over a network tothe slot management system (such as a commercially available BallySDS/SMS) and/or casino management system (such as a commerciallyavailable Bally CMP/CMS).

Referring to FIG. 3, monitored floor zone 301 is shown with fields ofcoverage 303, 305, 307 associated with RDCs 309, 311, 313. In theillustration, player PDKs 315, 317, 319 are detected. PDKs 315, 317 areidentified by proximity to EGMs 321, 323 as engaging in an active gamingsession. PDK 317 is within the remote area of fields 305, 307 of RDCs311, 313, and is also inside the area of field 303 of RDC 309. RDC 309may be located on ceiling or floor mounted. With this zone determinationa patron can be determined to be a player, an employee, or an observer.For example, players who are located in overlap zones may be determinednot to be playing and no gaming session is determined to occur.Employees who are identified within a field may be authorized to closeand/or advance transactions initiated at a respective EGM. By example, aplayer with PDK 16 may be identified through RDC 311 as being associatedwith Player ID 1874. The player rating and bonusing session occurs withthis player for EGM 321 without requiring a player card to be insertedinto the card reader. When the player leaves the vicinity of EGM 321,RDC 311 will no longer receive the signal from PDK 315 and the gamingsession will be closed. Employees entering field 303 may be identifiedby any of the respective RDCs and authorized through the network toopen, advance, and/or close transactions with patrons identified withinthe field.

Referring to FIG. 4, example PDK 401 and RDC 403 are shown in accordancewith one or more embodiments. As may be noted with the identified coin,the PDK and RDC devices may be implemented with miniaturized SIM cards,such as commercially available TruPox Partial-Core SIM cards, that maybe incorporated within player cards, wireless handheld devices, cellphones, electronic gaming machines and their system components.

Referring to FIG. 5, PDK form factors 501, 502 and RDC form factors 503,504 are shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. The proximitytechnology can be embedded into casino patron player card that can fitinto the wallet as shown with PDK form factor 502 or in the form of aKey FOB such as 501. RDCs 503, 504 may be integrated into gaming machinecomponents (such as a GMU or iVIEW) or can be separately powered anddeployed throughout the casino. RDC 504 has the form of a PCMCIA cardthat may be inserted in an associated slot connecting to a processor.RDC 503 may have the form of a self-contained set top box includingprocessor, memory, and network connection technology. Each of the RDCsmay have an associated antenna attached.

Referring to FIG. 6, PDK and RDC form factors 601, 603 are shown inaccordance with one or more embodiments which may be issued to anemployee and casino patron in the form of FOBs. PDK form factor 601provides labeled buttons which may be used to trigger different events.RDC form factor 603 may be provided to a patron and include anintegrated biometric reader in this example a fingerprint reader toauthenticate the identification of the bearer at an EGM in a similarmanner as inserting a player card in a card reader. The biometric datais sampled and compared with the sample of the biometric data stored inthe PDKs in proximity to this RDC. If good the transactions arevalidated like AFT transactions for a gaming device. This RDC can beintegrated into the Electronic gaming machine system components toenable proximity detection and biometric authorization at the gamingdevice.

Referring to FIG. 7, PDK 701 and RDC 703 are shown in accordance withone or more embodiments in communication with each other. Upon PDK 701being identified as within range of RDC 703 through a wirelesstransmission from PDK 701 received by RDC 703, a verification andauthentication procedure is initiated. For example, each device mayverify that the other device is a TruProx device. If verificationconfirms that the devices are valid, then PDK 701 and RDC 703 maytransmit and receive radio signals to determine authentication level andintended service. If the authentication step is successfully completed,then a secure wireless communication channel may be established andmaintained until PDK 701 moves out of range of RDC 703. As part of theprocess, data stored within the PDK and/or events initiated at the PDKby button presses are transmitted to the RDC. This data, a time stamp,and RDC data may be transmitted by RDC 703 to the location trackingand/or real-time dispatch servers. Based on a request made through PDK701, such as a request for a beverage, then a transmission requestbeverage transmission may be sent from the real-time dispatch server toa food and beverage station server and/or employee with a PDK devicelocated within the proximity of PDK 701; whereupon, a beverage deliverymay be provided to the patron with PDK 701 in a timely and efficientmanner. As part of initiating and/or maintaining secure communications,encrypted/decrypted messaging may be utilized and radio frequencies maybe randomly selected using random number techniques.

PDK 701 may communicate bi-directionally to server as a remotenotification, alert, and messaging device. The memory may includebiometric data such as the authorized person's photograph enabling anEGM to capture a facial image of the patron or employee and match thestored photograph data in PDK 701 to authenticate the identification ofthe patron and grant access to the patron's account. Additionally,account numbers may be stored on PDK 701, such as credit card numbers,to enable automated e-commerce transactions. Software and data withinPDK 701 and RDC 703 may be dynamically updated through download andreconfiguration processes.

Levels of authentication may be utilized to grant access to selectedservice levels. For example, depending upon a player's level, the playeraccount may be designated at a silver, gold or platinum level. Variousservices may be associated with those levels. As part of theauthentication, the player account may be accessed to determine theplayer service level or the information may be stored on the PDK deviceof the patron. Similarly, various employees may have varying levels ofservice that they are authorized to provide to patrons and the PDKdevice of the respective employee may store the authorization level.Thereby, when a request is made through PDK 701, the nearest employeePDK authorized to provide the level of service may be located throughthe location server.

Referring to FIG. 8A-8D, display screenshots 1301 are shown which may begenerated from a control station, such as a commercially available Ballycontrol station, connected to networked gaming system 101, whereinlocation tracking and real-time dispatch servers and their respectivedatabases are accessed to present an image representation of a casinofloor with data superimposed relating to the PDKs and RDCs. To generatethe display screenshots, the control station comprising a processor andmemory, such as a conventional personal computer with a display andkeyboard, includes an executable location tracking software module whichmay be generated to generate the described screenshots by accessing thePDK and RDC data from the location tracking server and/or real-timedispatch server. Alternatively, the location tracking server and/orreal-time dispatch server may include executable programming to processthe received raw data from the RDCs and a connected user station mayaccess the respective servers and include display software to displaythe respective screenshots and corresponding data described herein.

Referring to FIG. 8A, example screenshot 1301 of casino floor 1303 isshown which may include real-time tracking of PDK and RDC devicessuperimposed in accordance with one or more embodiments. The detectionzones of respective overhead or floor RDCs are shown as Zone A, Zone B,etc. The numbered RDCs and their respective locations with respect tovarious gaming devices are shown by numbered circles where the displayednumber may correspond to a RDC identifier number transmitted with PDKdata. Employee PDK devices may be distinguishable from patron PDKdevices such as by color coding and/or different numbering. Patron PDKdevices may be color coded as well to distinguish player levels. Thelocations of several zone RDCs are identified by a WRG box labeled‘Beacon’. In addition to gaming sections, the display may show areasassociated with an equipment room, systems conference room, and backroomequipment, such as Bally MCC, Bally Multi-Connect SDS, Bally BusinessIntelligence PowerCase, Bally ACSC, Bally SDS/CMP, etc.

PDKs that enter the detection zone of the specific RDCs may be shown inthe screenshot according to their detected locations. This software toolprovides a user interface to manually layout the casino property or toimport electronic CAD renderings of the floor plans. The RDC antennasmay typically be located in the ceiling above the floor but may also beincorporate within each gaming machine, associated with a bank of gamingmachines, or embedded in or under the carpet or floor. The respectiveRDCs may cover whole sections of the gaming floor or be tightly focusedinto a very small square foot zone. In addition to the real time view ofthe PDK location tracking, the casino can record all activity of PDKs asthey move throughout the floor and provide a visual playback at a latertime. The speed of the playback can be configured to provide very slowto very fast playback to see the density map of players with PDKs asthey move throughout time. Alternatively an individual or selected groupof PDKs or Patron ID's may be filtered and tracked versus all of thedevices and patrons. The playback may be time stamped.

The employee and/or patron PDK devices may have buttons to signal newevents, advance or close events. By example, a patron may initiate adrink request by selecting a drink on the player tracking display or onthe gaming machine display device. Alternatively, the patron mayautomatically be dispatched a beverage after a certain amount of time ata gaming device or other casino venue. In another embodiment, the patronmay have a PDK and press a button to initiate a drink or servicerequest. The drink dispatch system will initiate a transaction for thisrequest. The time is logged to keep track of response time for eachstage of the transaction. The bar makes the beverages. The host/hostessdelivers the drink to the location where the original request wasinitiated. The hostess presses the button on the PDK to close thebeverage transaction. This time is logged in the server. The proof thatthe host/hostess actually delivered the drink is done by monitoring thePDK location of this beverage host. The host can be monitored andevaluated for delivery time per transaction. Through the user interface,an operator may monitor events and status which may be displayed inrespective windows, such as PDK status window 1305, RDC status window1307, and Console window 1309. By use of the proximity sensing datatransmitted from the casino floor network, the real-time dispatch servermay identify employee locations, manage employees, and more optimally orefficiently position employees and assets. Through the user interface,an operator may evaluate the performance of employees and the deliveryof services to patrons. Additionally, the user interface may initiatemanagement alerts when under and over staffed conditions are identified,identify unauthorized breaks, and provide round times in order todetermine and manage efficiency and profits. Through the user interface,an operator may manage customer experiences in real-time to returnplayers back to action faster; maximize financial return by deployingresources automatically; optimize employee accountability andutilization; integrate and automate management role into casinooperations; personalize the player experience and build loyalty; controlin real-time every aspect of the customer experience; and obtain adirect increase in corporate value and EBITDA.

Through the user interface, an operator may easily determine how muchtime is spent on the casino floor and by whom, what events are beingresponded to, what comps are being issued and why. For example, the userinterface may track the slot department including the Shift Manager andSupervisors, Slot Hosts, and associated Alert Responses. Through theuser interface, an operator may alert attendants and supervisors aboutpersonnel who are in excess or are needed at various places on thefloor. Staffing and services may thereby be reallocated in real-time bygetting information directly to the person who requires it the most.

Thousands of customer service interactions occur every day in everycasino property. Each interaction represents an opportunity to; delivera superior customer experience, drive customer satisfaction, increaseplayer loyalty, and improve the business. Slot service, food andbeverage service, and table game management provide a majority of anoperator's gaming floor “moments of truth” where your employees interactdirectly with a customer. The improvement of efficiency by properlyadding proximity technology into the beverage service enables the casinoto reduce mid-level managers by being able to more effectively andautomatically re-assign and deploy cocktail hosts and staffing accordingto real-time needs.

Display screenshot also includes pull-down menu 1311. Pull-down menuincludes a File tab, Operations tab, Console tab, Playback Speed tab, aRecord button, and Playback button. The File tab may be selected to opensaved files and to save the current data and configurations to specificfiles for later use by the location tracking software module or otherdata analysis or visualization tools. The Operations tab may be selectedto start displaying location tracking, pause the tracking and stop thetracking. The PDK data feed coming in from the RDCs is continuouslystored in a database. The Operations tab feature allows the visualmonitoring of the playback to be started, paused, stopped and resumed.The Console tab may be selected to choose selected events to bedisplayed on the screen. The viewing/logging filters that may beutilized include any casino pre-defined field not limited to: Playerclub level, patron ID, PDK ID, group of patrons, group of PDKs, group ofRDCs, patrons who spend more or less than one or more preset thresholdsfor a visit or series of visits, patrons who wager more or less than apreset threshold for a visit, patrons who lose more or less than acertain preset threshold per time period or session or number ofsessions, active wagers, people requesting service at this time,employee ID's, zones of the property, table game players and PDKs,and/or people who won more or less than preset thresholds per session ortime period. The Playback Speed tab may be selected to set the playbackspeed of the recorded PDK locations. A time stamp and time line may beshown at the bottom of the screen.

Referring to FIG. 8B, display screenshot 1301 is shown with OpenPlayback File pop-up window 1313 in accordance with one or moreembodiments. Open Playback File pop-up menu may display when thePlayback button is selected, so that an operator may view individuallyrecorded locations tracking files each with their own filters applied.

Referring to FIG. 8C, display screenshot 1301 is shown in Playback modein accordance with one or more embodiments. PDK status window 1305displays the specific Patron PDKs and the zone where the patron islocated. Each of the recitations may be color coded to indicate the clubstatus of the patron. For example, Patron Bob Gardin may be referencedboth by red text and a red icon on the floor map, Patron Elizabeth Waitsmay be referenced by green text and a green icon on the floor map, andPatron Spin Wheeler may be referenced by blue text and a blue icon;wherein, each of the colors correspond to a player's playing historylevel which may be calculated based upon average bets, average amountsbet during playing sessions, repeat visits, and so forth. RDC statuswindow 1307 displays a single patron/PDK in Zone A, no person/PDK inZone B, and two patrons/PDKs in Zone C. Every arrival and departure timeof each PDK/Patron is displayed and recorded. In addition to therecitation in the PDK and RDC status windows 1305, 1307, a color codedcircle may be located near the associated zones on the floor map.Filters may also be applied to this window. Console window 1309 displaysthe general system event and status data. As a patron moves from onezone to another zone, the floor map will track the movement. Forexample, the RED patron icon may be displayed to move from Zone A to Band the BLUE patron icon may be displayed to move from Zone C to A.

Referring to FIG. 8D, display screenshot 1301 is shown with PDK Alertpop-up window 1315 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Using theinterface, an operator may view specific patron ID information from theplayer tracking database, the biometric database, the PDK registrydatabase, and what current events have been triggered by a specificpatron by pressing a button on his/her PDK. The associated icon on thedisplayed floor map may blink until the service request is met. When aspecific type of event occurs such as a beverage request, the data isshown to the casino host/hostess. The requested, preferred favoritedrink, or list of favorite drinks is shown to the casino personnel. Theycan then dispatch out the beverage request at this time. The casinostaff knows where the patron is at all times and can deliver the drinkto that player whether or not the patron is actively playing on thefloor at this time. The player club level or rating is shown to enablethe casino to see how valuable this patron is and can step up/down theresponse time to this specific patron based upon their value to thecasino. This allows the best response time to the most valuable patrons.The beverage host/hostess would have a wireless device that would enablethem to real-time track the location of the patron/PDK so the drink canbe delivered to a location different from where the request originated.

Multiple events triggered by patrons or employees can be shown andtracked simultaneously on the same user interface. Different departmentsin the casino like food and beverage or hand pay dispatch may have theirown location tracking application that lets them see the patrons/PDKs orevents that correlate to their business or skilled function. An exampleof a food and beverage station and manager station are shown in FIG. 1C.

Referring to FIG. 9, a table of the features of the real time dispatchsystem that may be integrated into the proximity location trackingsystem in accordance with one or more embodiments. The applicationsinclude RTSS (real-time slot service), RTFNB (real-time food andbeverage), RTVP (real-time valet parking), RTPH (real-time player host),RTCM (real-time customer marketing), RTCS (real-time customer service),RTKM (real-time knowledge management).

Referring to FIG. 10, a flow diagram is shown of an example jackpotprocess when a jackpot occurs on the slot floor. This process hasintegrated the proximity location tracking PDKs and button presses fromemployees at various phases of the process. By knowing the exactlocation and jackpot size, the proper skill level and/or authorizationlevel employee can be identified and directed to the patron for payment.Payment would not be made by an employee who was not in proximity to thewinning patron and did not have the right approval level. The proximitysystem allows for the dispatch of the proper employee to the particularjackpot pay.

Referring to FIG. 11, a flow diagram is shown of an example drinkrequest process. The proximity system passively monitors and reportsemployee location to handle the drink request.

Referring to FIG. 12, a flow diagram is shown of an example VIP Meet andGreet Process. This is the normal process of greeting a valued customerwhen they put their player card into a gaming machine. With proximitydetection added to the process the patron merely needs to be tracked byany RDC as they come on the casino property and then the meet and greetcasino personnel can be directed to greet the patron. Casinos will alsotrack the patrons that are leaving the property. At any one time theycan see how many people are on property and can dispatch or call inextra staff to handle the load or can send some staff home or on breakbased upon this data. Casino staff may also be informed of how many ofeach type of patron are on the premises at any given time.

Referring to FIG. 13, a flow diagram is shown of an example Real-timeSlot Service's managed rules based process without location tracking.

Referring to FIG. 14, a display screenshot of an example employeedispatch service application is shown which may be implemented throughthe real-time dispatch server 133 shown in FIG. 1A and displayed on thecontrol station and/or other service-related stations, such as shown inFIG. 1C, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Available staff areshown, triggered events are shown, number of events per zone. Thecurrent employee assigned to a particular event is shown. The casinostaff can see incoming events and assign particular staff to theseevents using the right skill level employee.

Referring to FIG. 15, a display screenshot of an example employeedispatch service application is shown which may be implemented throughthe real-time dispatch server 133 shown in FIG. 1A and displayed on thecontrol station and/or other service-related stations, such as shown inFIG. 1C, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Detailed zone datamay be shown including the VIP customers in that zone, the number ofcarded players, uncarded players, slot attendants, beverage servers,ratios of VIPs to attendants, ratios of VIPs to beverage servers, ratioof players to slot attendants, ratio of players to beverage servers,open beverage events, open slot events, VIP beverage service targetratio, VIP slot service target ratio. This data may enable the casinostaff to reallocate the staff to other zones on property as the patronsmove around.

Referring to FIG. 16, a display screenshot of an example employeedispatch service application is shown which may be implemented throughthe real-time dispatch server 133 shown in FIG. 1A and displayed on thecontrol station and/or other service-related stations, such as shown inFIG. 1C, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Detailed zone datamay be shown. Using the data, authorized attendants may be directed tothe event or new zones by using attendant handhelds or cellular phones.

Referring to FIG. 17, a display screenshot of an example employeedispatch service application displaying service recovery alerts andmanagement alerts is shown which may be implemented through thereal-time dispatch server 133 shown in FIG. 1A and displayed on thecontrol station and/or other service-related stations, as shown in FIG.1C, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 18, a flow graph diagram of an example real-timeknowledge management system alerts integrated with employee assignedPDKs is shown which may be implemented through the real-time dispatchserver 133 shown in FIG. 1A and displayed on the control station and/orother service-related stations, as shown in FIG. 1 C, in accordance withone or more embodiments. Various stages of the transaction process areadvanced by employee button presses on his/her PDK. The dispatch systemcan close or advance a specific transaction state when they know forsure the employee is at the right location in proximity to the event andthe right button has been pressed on the PDK.

Referring to FIG. 19, a flow graph diagram of an example real-time SlotSystem Jackpot event improved with the uses of the wireless PDK locationtracking system. Various stages of the transaction process may beadvanced by employee button presses on his/her PDK.

Referring to FIG. 20, a flow graph diagram of an example improved Realtime knowledge management system integrated with location based PDKassociated with specific employees is shown which may be implementedthrough the real-time dispatch server 133 shown in FIG. 1A and displayedon the control station and/or other service-related stations, as shownin FIG. 1C, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Automatedsystems may track that the right employee showed up at the rightlocation to advance the transaction to the next level with or without abutton press by the employee on his/her PDK.

Referring to FIG. 21, a example transaction display for a specificemployee that does a specific role or function is shown which may beimplemented through the location tracking and real-time dispatch servers133 shown in FIG. 1A and displayed on the control station and/or otherservice-related stations, as shown in FIG. 1C, in accordance with one ormore embodiments. The time, description of the event, and location datamay be tracked for these employees. By example, FIG. 21 shows a slotshift manager's transactions and locations of those transactions.

Referring to FIG. 22, an example transaction display for a specificemployee that does the Beverage Servicer role or function is shown whichmay be implemented through the real-time dispatch server shown in FIG.1A and displayed on the control station and/or other service-relatedstations, such as shown in FIG. 1C, in accordance with one or moreembodiments. The time, description of the event, and the employeelocation data is tracked for this employee.

Referring to FIG. 23, an example transaction display for a specificcasino VIP patron is shown which may be implemented through thereal-time dispatch server shown in FIG. 1A and displayed on the controlstation and/or other service-related stations, such as shown in FIG. 1C,in accordance with one or more embodiments. The patron's name, tierlevel, rating level, theoretical win and/or wagers, last visit date,time, location and description of events are shown. With this data thecasino may track everything the VIP player did and how long and wherethe event occurred. This data may be used to learn behavioral patternsfor this patron and how well customer service was dispatched to thepatron.

An example usage of the location/dispatch system within the gamingnetwork may be to track asset locations and occurrences on the casinofloor and throughout the property which may be implemented through thereal-time dispatch server shown in FIG. 1A and displayed on the controlstation and/or other service-related stations, such as shown in FIG. 1C,in accordance with one or more embodiments. Certain types of PDK may behighlighted in different colors to quickly identify visually theirlocation. For example control keys for the electronic game machines orother keys for the casino property can be shown. The location of theslot host wallet may be shown. The locations of cash carts may be shown.Cashbox locations may be shown. Security guard locations may be shown todetermine if they are in proximity to specific physical assets like cashcarts, control keys, cashboxes. Wireless gaming devices may be assettracked by having a PDK embedded into the device. Gaming may be disabledif the device enters or leaves a specific area using this proximitytracking technology.

Another example of usage may be used to track customers and employees inreal time is shown which may be implemented through the real-timedispatch server 133 shown in FIG. 1A and displayed on the controlstation and/or other service-related stations, such as shown in FIG. 1C,in accordance with one or more embodiments. Examples include but are notlimited to, different levels of patrons may be highlighted in specificcolors; specific players that are not playing may be identified in othercolors and service ambassadors may be identified in different colors.Different zones may be shown. Filters may be included to let the personusing this administration tool at the control station sees everythinghappening on the whole floor or drill down to specific sections of thefloor or specific employees or patrons and get more data about them orthe events triggered for them. A complete mapping ability to mapemployee type or skill level with a certain color or symbol may beincluded. A complete mapping ability to map casino patron type with acertain color or symbol is included. Patrons who have met preconfiguredthresholds of spending, amount wagered, amount won, amount loss are ableto be highlighted and are given their own color. This may aid the casinostaff in locating the employees or patrons that need to be interfacedwith.

Another application of the integration of PDKs with the beveragehost/hostess is the ability to optimize floor walking patterns to getthe best efficiency for the employee. An antenna and RDC could bepositioned at each corner of a bank of EGMs. When the hostess walksthrough each bank her location may be tracked. Reports can be providedto the casino staff and the employee to show their actual walkingpattern to look for better efficient routes and to ensure the employeecovers enough of the floor and not just say they were doing it. Employeeevaluations may use this data.

Another example of usage may be for security guards. Their walkingpatterns may be analyzed to ensure proper coverage of the casino floor.Advice and evaluations can be given to correct or improve wrongpatterns.

Another example of usage may be for a patron to automatically checkedout of his/her hotel room upon exit from the casino premises asidentified by the proximity locating servers.

Each department in a casino (ex. Security, slots, food beverage) may usedifferent definitions of zone mapping. The employee location trackingsystem may have a database that maps these zones to RDCs to the specificemployees. This system can then render theses different zones and theirassociate department employees on a visual interface. Employees can benotified by a beep or vibration or a LED on their PDK that they are notin their zone. This can be an aid to ensure that the employee iscovering the right section of the floor. This is especially important asthe zones dynamically change as the density of the patrons and theirtransactions change.

Another example usage may be tracking the cashbox drop team as they dotheir job. This allows casino staff to see which machines have been doneand confirm that the proper employees are in close enough proximity tothe drop team or cash cart. For example is there actually a securityguard next to the cart at all times. These types of associations ofemployee PDKs to asset tags may be determined by the system anddisplayed at the control station. When a PDK leaves the area requiredfor him/her to be, then alerts can be sent to management for correctiveactions.

Another example usage may be tracking the master keys PDK and theemployee PDK who is carrying the master key which can be matched andtheir location be tracked together. So if a certain employee leaves thebuilding with the master keys the casino will know which employee did itat which time and through which door they went through to leave thebuilding. This lets the casino know who to call, so the key can bereturned. Today the casino must re-key all of the slot machines if themaster keys are lost. This PDK in association with the master key willlimit the ability for the key to be lost because it can be found bylooking at the asset location administration terminal.

Alternate wireless technologies may be used including Ultra Wide Band(UWB) frequencies.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specificnomenclature and formula to provide a thorough understanding of theinvention. It should be apparent to those who are skilled in the artthat the specific details are not required in order to practice theinvention. The embodiments have been chosen and described to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,thereby enabling others of skill in the art to utilize the invention,and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Thus, the foregoing disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed, and those of skill in the art recognize that manymodifications and variations are possible in view of the aboveteachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved gaming system of the type having aplurality of gaming machines dispersed throughout one or more casinovenues, a communication network to provide communication between saidgaming machines and one or more network servers, said improvementcomprising: a plurality of reader-decoder circuit (RDC) devices locatedin said one or more casino venues, each RDC device having a knownlocation within said one or more casino venues and each RDC incommunication over said communication network with a location trackingserver; a set of personal data keys (PDKs) each associated andtransported with a player or employee, said RDCs configured towirelessly detect the presence of a PDK in proximity of one or more ofsaid RDCs; a video display; a processor connected to said network andconfigured to (i) control said display to display a graphical userinterface (GUI) including a geographical representation of the layout ofat least a portion of said one or more casino venues, (ii) to determinethe geographical position of one or more PDKs detected by said RDCs and(iii) to control said GUI to indicate in said geographicalrepresentation the positions of said detected PDKs in said venues. 2.The improved gaming system of claim 1 comprising a proximity detectorassociated with one or more RDKs to determine the location proximity ofa PDK to said one or more RDKs, said location proximity provided by oneof said proximity detector and RDK through the network to saidprocessor.
 3. The improved gaming system of claim 1 comprising said RDCdevices are located in each of a plurality of gaming machines.
 4. Theimproved gaming system of claim 3 comprising a device including an RDCretrofit into one or more existing gaming machines.
 5. The improvedgaming system of claim 1 comprising said set of PDKs includes aplurality of subsets of PDKs associated with different player oremployee characteristics, said processor configured to control saiddisplay to color code said detected PDKs to distinguish between PDKs ofdifferent subsets.
 6. The improved gaming system of claim 1 comprisingone or more of said network servers includes player or employeeinformation, said processor in communication with said one or morenetwork servers and configured to display for a PDK at least a portionof said player or employee information.
 7. The improved gaming machineof claim 6 comprising said processor configured to provide said GUI forselection of a PDK located and displayed in said geographicalrepresentation, said selection controlling said display to display atleast said portion of said player or employee information associatedwith said selected PDK.
 8. In a gaming system of the type having aplurality of gaming machines dispersed throughout one or more casinovenues, a communication network to provide communication between saidgaming machines and one or more network servers, an improvementcomprising: a plurality of reader-decoder circuit (RDC) devices locatedin a plurality of said gaming machines, each RDC device having a knownlocation within said one or more casino venues and each RDC incommunication over said communication network with a location trackingserver; a set of personal data keys (PDKs) each associated andtransported with a player or employee, said RDCs configured towirelessly detect the presence of a PDK in proximity of one or more ofsaid RDCs; a video display; a processor connected to said network andconfigured to (i) control said display to display a graphical userinterface (GUI) including a geographical representation of the layout ofat least a portion of said one or more casino venues, (ii) to determinethe geographical position of one or more PDKs detected by said RDCs and(iii) to control said GUI to indicate in said geographicalrepresentation the positions of said PDKs in said venues.
 9. A methodfor locating the position of one or more players or employees within oneor more casino venues comprising: connecting a plurality ofreader-decoder circuit (RDC) devices to a communication network, saidRDCs distributed about said one or more casino venues and each RDCdevice having a known location within said one or more casino venues;providing for personal data keys (PDKs) to players and/or employees,configuring said RDCs to wirelessly detect the presence of a PDK inproximity of one or more of said RDCs and sent detection signals throughthe communication network; processing signals from said RDCs to (i)control a video display to display a graphical user interface (GUI)including a geographical representation of the layout of at least aportion of said one or more casino venues, (ii) to determine thegeographical position of one or more PDKs detected by said RDCs and(iii) to control said GUI to indicate in said geographicalrepresentation the positions of said PDKs in said venues.
 10. The methodof claim 9 comprising associating each player PDK with a player datafile stored at a server and processing said signals from said RDCs tocontrol said GUI to display a color code associated with at least onePDK to indicate a characteristic of the player data file associated withthe PDK.
 11. The method of claim 9 comprising processing said signalsfrom said RDCs to control said GUI to display selected data of theplayer data file associated with the PDK selected in the display.